HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Cumberland Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

The Union Army 11th Corps, crossing from the Emmitsburg Road, July 1, 1863, turned north here toward Gettysburg. The Union 2nd Corps camped here on the same night.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

On the first day of the battle, the Union 11th Corps hurried up from the Emmitsburg Road and turned north here toward Gettysburg to support the troops already engaged. That night the 2nd Corps encamped at this spot as the army massed for the fighting to come. These crossroads marked the steady flow of blue columns toward the battle line.

Why it matters

The movement of Union corps through Adams County reflects the logistical race that let the army meet Lee in full strength.

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Related events

  • · Gettysburg Campaign
  • · Battle of Gettysburg

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